California: Bus driver who drove stoned demands apology

San Diego
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Unbeknownst to them, two San Diego Metropolitan Transit Service bus operators say they snacked on pot brownies before starting their shifts hauling residents around the city’s busy streets.

One of the drivers says he transported passengers for about three hours before being replaced by another driver, according to a FOX 5 report.

Now, driver Mark Hall wants an apology, but not from a third driver, who supplied the tainted brownies and was fired, but from San Diego Metropolitan Transit Service.

Three bus drivers allegedly ate the brownies on August 26 right before their shifts were about to begin. Two drivers ended up in the hospital, the third driver Mark Hall said he transported 200 to 300 passengers while under the influence before the company replaced him.

“We never get calls asking how we are feeling. In hindsight, they already knew at that time that two drivers are already in the hospital,” Hall said. “Instead of saying, 'stop the bus, pullover - we are sending you to the hospital.' They let me drive a little bit further.”

Hall was placed on unpaid administrative leave but has lodged a complaint and called for an apology blaming a “conspiracy” by MTS upper management.

“MTS, along with Local 1309 union is trying to cover the employee who brought the brownies and they are trying to preserve his job,” Hall said. “He’s on paid leave. Myself and another driver we are on unpaid leave. “

Urine analysis tests confirmed THC was in Hall's system and he was placed on administrative leave after the incident. After a week Hall was allowed to return to work, but only if he signed a liability waiver. Hall refused to sign the document.

“I couldn’t hold MTS liable, I couldn’t talk to the media. I couldn’t use this for disciplinary action if I get fired,” he said. “I would have to report to a drug abuse counselor.”

In the meantime, MTS asked the Department of Transportation for a waiver in drug testing policy that would clear the “innocent” drivers.

“I hear I was giggling a lot and real bubbly, so I guess I was high and didn’t know it," he said.

However Mr. Hall is not willing to settle for a waiver. The driver who inadvertently drove stoned wants a public apology from his employer, and says “the number one key issue is the public was not safe, the driver was not safe. They (MTS) compromised the whole thing.